Connecticut Practice Book
Cited as Conn. Practice Book (in-state: Practice Book) · 741 active sections
Connecticut's rules of practice sit inside a single consolidated Practice Book. This index covers three of its divisions: the general provisions that open every Superior Court case (Chapters 1–7), the chapters governing civil litigation itself (Chapters 8–24), and the chapter governing divorce, custody, support and every other family matter (Chapter 25).
Plain-English guides Browse Connecticut guides →Chapter 1. Scope of Rules
- Section 1-1 Scope of Rules; Definitions
- Section 1-2 Assignments To Take Precedence
- Section 1-3 Divisions of Superior Court
- Section 1-4 Family Division
- Section 1-5 Civil Division
- Section 1-6 Criminal Division
- Section 1-7 Housing Division (Only in Judicial Districts Specified by Statute)
- Section 1-8 Rules To Be Liberally Interpreted
- Section 1-9 Publication of Rules; Effective Date
- Section 1-9A —Judiciary Committee; Placement of Rules Information on Judicial Branch Website
- Section 1-9B —Emergency Powers of Rules Committee
- Section 1-10 Possession of Electronic Devices in Court Facilities
- Section 1-10A Definition of ‘‘Media’’
- Section 1-10B Media Coverage of Court Proceedings; In General
- Section 1-11 Media Coverage of Criminal Proceedings [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2012.] Repealed
- Section 1-11A Media Coverage of Arraignments
- Section 1-11B Media Coverage of Civil Proceedings
- Section 1-11C Media Coverage of Criminal Proceedings
- Section 1-11D Pilot Program To Increase Public Access to Child Protection Proceedings [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2013.] Repealed
- Section 1-12 Court Opening
- Section 1-13 Recess and Adjournment
- Section 1-13A Contempt
- Section 1-14 —Criminal Contempt
- Section 1-15 —Who May Be Punished [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2000.] Repealed
- Section 1-16 —Summary Criminal Contempt
- Section 1-17 —Deferral of Proceedings
- Section 1-18 —Nonsummary Contempt Proceedings
- Section 1-19 —Judicial Authority Disqualification in Nonsummary Contempt Proceedings
- Section 1-20 —Where No Right to Jury Trial in Nonsummary Proceeding
- Section 1-21 —Nonsummary Judgment
- Section 1-21A —Civil Contempt
- Section 1-22 Disqualification of Judicial Authority
- Section 1-23 Motion for Disqualification of Judicial Authority
- Section 1-24 Record of Off-Site Judicial Proceedings
- Section 1-25 Actions Subject to Sanctions
Chapter 2. Attorneys
- Section 2-1 County Court Designations concerning Bar Admission Process
- Section 2-2 Admission
- Section 2-3 Bar Examining Committee
- Section 2-4 —Regulations by Bar Examining Committee
- Section 2-4A —Records of Bar Examining Committee
- Section 2-5 —Examination of Candidates for Admission
- Section 2-5A —Good Moral Character and Fitness To Practice Law
- Section 2-6 —Personnel of Bar Examining Committee
- Section 2-7 Number of Times an Applicant May Sit for the Examination
- Section 2-8 Qualifications for Admission
- Section 2-9 Certification of Applicants Recommended for Admission; Conditions of Admission
- Section 2-10 Admission by Superior Court; Admission in Absentia
- Section 2-11 Monitoring Compliance with Conditions of Admission; Removal or Modification of Conditions
- Section 2-11A Appeal from Decision of Bar Examining Committee concerning Conditions of Admission
- Section 2-12 County Committees on Recommendations for Admission
- Section 2-13 Attorneys of Other Jurisdictions; Qualifications and Requirements for Admission
- Section 2-13A Military Spouse Temporary Licensing
- Section 2-14 —Action by Bar; Temporary License [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2012.] Repealed
- Section 2-15 —Permanent License [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2012.] Repealed
- Section 2-15A —Authorized House Counsel
- Section 2-16 —Attorney Appearing Pro Hac Vice
- Section 2-17 Foreign Legal Consultants; Licensing Requirements
- Section 2-18 —Filings To Become Foreign Legal Consultant
- Section 2-19 —Scope of Practice of Foreign Legal Consultants
- Section 2-20 —Disciplinary Provisions regarding Foreign Legal Consultants
- Section 2-21 —Affiliation of Foreign Legal Consultant with the Bar of the State of Connecticut
- Section 2-22 Disposition of Fees for Admission to the Bar
- Section 2-23 Roll of Attorneys
- Section 2-24 Notice by Attorney of Admission in Other Jurisdictions
- Section 2-25 Notice by Attorney of Disciplinary Action in Other Jurisdictions
- Section 2-26 Notice by Attorney of Change in Address
- Section 2-27 Clients’ Funds; Attorney Registration
- Section 2-27A Minimum Continuing Legal Education
- Section 2-27B Enforcement of Attorney Registration and Minimum Continuing Legal Education; Administrative Suspension
- Section 2-28 Overdraft Notification
- Section 2-28A Attorney Advertising; Mandatory Filing
- Section 2-28B —Advisory Opinions
- Section 2-29 Grievance Panels
- Section 2-30 Grievance Counsel for Panels and Investigators
- Section 2-31 Powers and Duties of Grievance Counsel
- Section 2-32 Filing Complaints against Attorneys; Action; Time Limitation
- Section 2-33 Statewide Grievance Committee
- Section 2-34 Statewide Bar Counsel
- Section 2-34A Disciplinary Counsel
- Section 2-35 Action by Statewide Grievance Committee or Reviewing Committee
- Section 2-36 Action by Statewide Grievance Committee on Request for Review
- Section 2-37 Sanctions and Conditions Which May Be Imposed by Committees
- Section 2-38 Appeal from Decision of Statewide Grievance Committee or Reviewing Committee Imposing Sanctions or Conditions
- Section 2-39 Reciprocal Discipline
- Section 2-40 Discipline of Attorneys Found Guilty of Serious Crimes in Connecticut
- Section 2-41 Discipline of Attorneys Found Guilty of Serious Crimes in Another Jurisdiction
- Section 2-42 Conduct Constituting Threat of Harm to Clients
- Section 2-43 Notice by Attorney of Alleged Misuse of Clients’ Funds and Garnishments of Lawyers’ Trust Accounts
- Section 2-44 Power of Superior Court To Discipline Attorneys and To Restrain Unauthorized Practice
- Section 2-44A Definition of the Practice of Law
- Section 2-45 —Cause Occurring in Presence of Court
- Section 2-46 Suspension of Attorneys Who Violate Support Orders
- Section 2-47 Presentments and Unauthorized Practice of Law Petitions
- Section 2-47A Disbarment of Attorney for Misappropriation of Funds
- Section 2-47B Restrictions on the Activities of Deactivated Attorneys
- Section 2-48 Designee To Prosecute Presentments
- Section 2-49 Restitution
- Section 2-50 Records of Statewide Grievance Committee, Reviewing Committee and Grievance Panel
- Section 2-51 Costs and Expenses
- Section 2-52 Resignation and Waiver of Attorney Facing Disciplinary Investigation
- Section 2-53 Reinstatement after Suspension, Disbarment or Resignation
- Section 2-54 Publication of Notice of Reprimand, Suspension, Disbarment, Resignation, Placement on Inactive Status or Reinstatement
- Section 2-55 Retirement of Attorney—Right of Revocation
- Section 2-55A Retirement of Attorney—Permanent
- Section 2-56 Inactive Status of Attorney
- Section 2-57 —Prior Judicial Determination of Incompetency or Involuntary Commitment
- Section 2-58 —No Prior Determination of Incompetency or Involuntary Commitment
- Section 2-59 —Disability Claimed during Course of Disciplinary Proceeding
- Section 2-60 —Reinstatement upon Termination of Disability
- Section 2-61 —Burden of Proof in Inactive Status Proceedings
- Section 2-62 —Waiver of Doctor-Patient Privilege upon Application for Reinstatement
- Section 2-63 Definition of Respondent
- Section 2-64 Appointment of Attorney To Protect Clients’ and Attorney’s Interests
- Section 2-65 Good Standing of Attorney
- Section 2-66 Practice by Court Officials
- Section 2-67 Payment of Attorneys by Bank and Trust Companies
- Section 2-68 Client Security Fund Established
- Section 2-68A —Crisis Intervention and Referral Assistance
- Section 2-69 —Definition of Dishonest Conduct
- Section 2-70 —Client Security Fund Fee
- Section 2-71 —Eligible Claims
- Section 2-72 —Client Security Fund Committee
- Section 2-73 —Powers and Duties of Client Security Fund Committee
- Section 2-74 —Regulations of Client Security Fund Committee
- Section 2-75 —Processing Claims
- Section 2-76 —Confidentiality
- Section 2-77 —Review of Status of Fund
- Section 2-78 —Attorney’s Fee for Prosecuting Claim
- Section 2-79 —Enforcement of Payment of Fee
- Section 2-80 —Restitution by Attorney
- Section 2-81 —Restitution and Subrogation
- Section 2-82 Admission of Misconduct; Discipline by Consent
- Section 2-83 Effective Dates
Chapter 3. Appearances
- Section 3-1 Appearance for Plaintiff on Writ or Complaint in Civil and Family Cases
- Section 3-2 Time To File Appearance
- Section 3-3 Form and Signing of Appearance
- Section 3-4 Filing Appearance
- Section 3-5 Service of Appearances on Other Parties
- Section 3-6 Appearances for Bail, Detention Hearing, or Alternative Arraignment Proceedings Only
- Section 3-7 Consequence of Filing Appearance
- Section 3-8 Appearance for Represented Party
- Section 3-9 Withdrawal of Appearance; Duration of Appearance
- Section 3-10 Motion To Withdraw Appearance
- Section 3-11 Appearance for Several Parties
- Section 3-12 Change in Name, Composition or Membership of a Firm or Professional Corporation
- Section 3-13 When Creditor May Appear and Defend
- Section 3-14 Legal Interns
- Section 3-15 —Supervision of Legal Interns
- Section 3-16 —Requirements and Limitations
- Section 3-17 —Activities of Legal Intern
- Section 3-18 —Certification of Intern
- Section 3-19 —Legal Internship Committee [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2019.] Repealed
- Section 3-20 —Unauthorized Practice
- Section 3-21 —Out-of-State Interns [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2026.] Repealed
Chapter 4. Pleadings
- Section 4-1 Form of Pleading
- Section 4-2 Signing of Pleading
- Section 4-3 Filing and Endorsing Pleadings
- Section 4-4 Electronic Filing
- Section 4-5 Notice Required for Ex Parte Temporary Injunctions
- Section 4-6 Page Limitations for Briefs, Memoranda of Law and Reply Memoranda
- Section 4-7 Personal Identifying Information To Be Omitted or Redacted from Court Records in Civil and Family Matters
- Section 4-8 Notice of Complaint or Action Filed Against Judicial Authority
Chapter 5. Trials
- Section 5-1 Trial Briefs
- Section 5-2 Raising Questions of Law Which May Be the Subject of an Appeal
- Section 5-3 Administering Oath
- Section 5-4 Examination of Witnesses
- Section 5-5 Objections to Evidence; Interlocutory Questions; Exceptions Not Required
- Section 5-6 Reception of Evidence Objected to
- Section 5-7 Marking Exhibits
- Section 5-8 Interlocutory Matters
- Section 5-9 Citation of Opinion Not Officially Published [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2014.] Repealed
- Section 5-10 Sanctions for Counsel’s Failure To Appear
- Section 5-11 Testimony of Party or Child in Family Relations Matter When Protective Order, Restraining Order, Standing Criminal Protective Order or Standing Criminal Restraining Order Issued on Behalf of Party or Child
- Section 5-12 Objection to the Use of a Peremptory Challenge
Chapter 6. Judgments
Chapter 7. Clerks; Files and Records
- Section 7-1 Dockets; Clerk’s Records
- Section 7-2 General Duties of Clerk
- Section 7-3 Financial Accounts
- Section 7-4 Daybook
- Section 7-4A Identification of Cases
- Section 7-4B Motion To File Record under Seal
- Section 7-4C Lodging a Record
- Section 7-5 Notice To Attorneys and Self-Represented Parties
- Section 7-6 Filing of Papers
- Section 7-7 Custody of Files
- Section 7-8 Lost File or Pleading
- Section 7-9 Completing Records
- Section 7-10 Retention and Destruction of Files and Records; Withdrawals, Dismissals, Satisfactions of Judgment
- Section 7-11 —Judgments on the Merits— Stripping and Retention
- Section 7-12 —Actions Affecting the Title to Land
- Section 7-13 —Criminal/Motor Vehicle Files and Records
- Section 7-14 —Reports from Adult Probation and Family Division
- Section 7-15 —Retention Ordered by Chief Court Administrator; Transfer to State Library
- Section 7-16 —Motion To Prevent Destruction of File
- Section 7-17 Clerks’ Offices
- Section 7-18 Hospital, Psychiatric and Medical Records
- Section 7-19 Issuing Subpoenas for Witnesses on Behalf of Self-Represented Litigants
- Section 7-20 Records of Short Calendar Matters
- Section 7-21 Removing Exhibits and Other Papers
Chapter 8. Commencement of Action
- Section 8-1 Process
- Section 8-2 Waiver of Court Fees and Costs
- Section 8-3 Bond for Prosecution [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2017.] Repealed
- Section 8-3A Bond for Prosecution or Recognizance
- Section 8-4 Certification of Financial Responsibility [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2017.] Repealed
- Section 8-5 Remedy for Failure To Give Bond [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2017.] Repealed
- Section 8-6 Bond Ordered by Judicial Authority [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2017.] Repealed
- Section 8-7 Request To Furnish Bond [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2017.] Repealed
- Section 8-8 Member of Community Defending To Give Bond [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2017.] Repealed
- Section 8-9 Bond by Nonresident in Realty Action [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2017.] Repealed
- Section 8-10 Surety Company Bond Acceptable
- Section 8-11 Action on Probate Bond; Endorsement of Writ [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2017.] Repealed
- Section 8-12 Renewal of Bond
Chapter 9. Parties
- Section 9-1 Continuance for Absent or Nonresident Defendant
- Section 9-2 Defense by Garnishee; Continuance
- Section 9-3 Joinder of Parties and Actions; Interested Persons as Plaintiffs
- Section 9-4 —Joinder of Plaintiffs in One Action
- Section 9-5 —Consolidation of Actions
- Section 9-6 —Interested Persons as Defendants
- Section 9-7 Class Actions; Prerequisites to Class Actions
- Section 9-8 —Class Actions Maintainable
- Section 9-9 —Procedure for Class Certification and Management of Class
- Section 9-10 —Orders To Ensure Adequate Representation
- Section 9-11 Executor, Administrator or Trustee of Express Trust
- Section 9-12 Personal Representatives of Cocontractor
- Section 9-13 Persons Liable on Same Instrument
- Section 9-14 Defendants Alternately Liable
- Section 9-15 Assignee of Part Interest
- Section 9-16 Assignment Pending Suit
- Section 9-17 Unsatisfied Judgment against One Defendant
- Section 9-18 Addition or Substitution of Parties; Additional Parties Summoned in by Court
- Section 9-19 —Nonjoinder and Misjoinder of Parties
- Section 9-20 —Substituted Plaintiff
- Section 9-21 —Counterclaim; Third Parties
- Section 9-22 —Motion To Cite in New Parties
- Section 9-23 Suit by Real Party in Interest
- Section 9-24 Change of Name by Minor Child
- Section 9-25 Action on Bond to Municipal Officer
Chapter 10. Pleadings
- Section 10-1 Fact Pleading
- Section 10-2 Pleading Legal Effect
- Section 10-3 Allegations Based on Statutory Grounds; Foreign Law
- Section 10-4 Implied Duty
- Section 10-5 Untrue Allegations or Denials
- Section 10-6 Pleadings Allowed and Their Order
- Section 10-7 Waiving Right To Plead
- Section 10-8 Time To Plead
- Section 10-9 Common Counts
- Section 10-10 Supplemental Pleadings; Counterclaims
- Section 10-11 Impleading of Third Party by Defendant in Civil Action
- Section 10-12 Service of the Pleading and Other Papers; Responsibility of Counsel or Self-Represented Party: Documents and Persons To Be Served
- Section 10-13 —Method of Service
- Section 10-14 —Proof of Service
- Section 10-15 —Numerous Defendants
- Section 10-16 —Several Parties Represented by One Attorney
- Section 10-17 —Service by Indifferent Person
- Section 10-18 Penalty for Failing To Plead
- Section 10-19 Implied Admissions
- Section 10-20 Contents of Complaint
- Section 10-21 Joinder of Causes of Action
- Section 10-22 —Transactions Connected with Same Subject
- Section 10-23 —Joinder of Torts
- Section 10-24 —Legal and Equitable Relief
- Section 10-25 Alternative Relief
- Section 10-26 Separate Counts
- Section 10-27 Claim for Equitable Relief
- Section 10-28 Interest and Costs Need Not Be Claimed
- Section 10-29 Exhibits as Part of Pleading
- Section 10-30 Motion To Dismiss; Grounds
- Section 10-31 —Opposition; Date for Hearing Motion To Dismiss
- Section 10-32 —Waiver Based on Certain Grounds
- Section 10-33 —Waiver and Subject Matter Jurisdiction
- Section 10-34 —Further Pleading by Defendant
- Section 10-35 Request To Revise
- Section 10-36 —Reasons in Request To Revise
- Section 10-37 —Granting of and Objection to Request To Revise
- Section 10-38 —Waiver of Pleading Revisions
- Section 10-39 Motion To Strike; Grounds
- Section 10-40 —Opposition; Date for Hearing Motion To Strike
- Section 10-41 —Reasons in Motion To Strike [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2014.] Repealed
- Section 10-42 —Memorandum of Law—Motion and Objection [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2014.] Repealed
- Section 10-43 —When Memorandum of Decision Required on Motion To Strike
- Section 10-44 —Substitute Pleading; Judgment
- Section 10-45 —Stricken Pleading Part of Another Cause or Defense
- Section 10-46 The Answer; General and Special Denial
- Section 10-47 —Evasive Denials
- Section 10-48 —Express Admissions and Denials To Be Direct and Specific
- Section 10-49 —Suit by Corporation; Admission by General Denial
- Section 10-50 —Denials; Special Defenses
- Section 10-51 —Several Special Defenses
- Section 10-52 —Admissions and Denials in Special Defense
- Section 10-53 —Pleading Contributory Negligence
- Section 10-54 —Pleading of Counterclaim and Setoff
- Section 10-55 —Withdrawal of Action after Counterclaim
- Section 10-56 Subsequent Pleadings; Plaintiff’s Response to Answer
- Section 10-57 —Matter in Avoidance of Answer
- Section 10-58 —Pleadings Subsequent to Reply
- Section 10-59 Amendments; Amendment as of Right by Plaintiff
- Section 10-60 —Amendment by Consent, Order of Judicial Authority, or Failure To Object
- Section 10-61 —Pleading after Amendment
- Section 10-62 —Variance; Amendment
- Section 10-63 —Amendment; Legal or Equitable Relief
- Section 10-64 —Amendment Calling for Legal Relief; Jury Trial
- Section 10-65 —Amending Contract to Tort and Vice Versa
- Section 10-66 —Amendment of Amount in Demand
- Section 10-67 —Amendment of Claim against Insolvent Estate
- Section 10-68 Pleading Special Matters; Pleading Notice
- Section 10-69 —Foreclosure Complaint; Pleading Encumbrances
- Section 10-70 —Foreclosure of Municipal Liens
- Section 10-71 —Action on Probate Bond
- Section 10-72 —Action by Assignee of Chose in Action
- Section 10-73 —Pleading Charters
- Section 10-74 —Wrongful Sale; Wrongful Conversion
- Section 10-75 —Goods Sold; Variance
- Section 10-76 —Probate Appeals; Reasons of Appeal
- Section 10-77 —Appeals from Commissioners
- Section 10-78 —Pleading Collateral Source Payments
- Section 10-79 —Pleading Issues of Policy Limitations
Chapter 11. Motions, Requests, Orders of Notice and Short Calendar
- Section 11-1 Form of Motion and Request
- Section 11-2 Definition of ‘‘Motion’’ and ‘‘Request’’
- Section 11-3 Motion for Misjoinder of Parties
- Section 11-4 Applications for Orders of Notice
- Section 11-5 Subsequent Orders of Notice; Continuance
- Section 11-6 Notice by Publication
- Section 11-7 Attestation; Publication; Proof of Compliance
- Section 11-8 Orders of Notice Directed outside of the United States of America
- Section 11-9 Disclosure of Previous Applications
- Section 11-10 Requirement That Memorandum of Law Be Filed with Certain Motions
- Section 11-11 Motions Which Delay the Commencement of the Appeal Period or Cause the Appeal Period To Start Again
- Section 11-12 Motion To Reargue
- Section 11-13 Short Calendar; Need for List; Case Assigned for Trial; Reclaims
- Section 11-14 —Short Calendar; Frequency; Time; Lists
- Section 11-15 —Short Calendar; Assignments Automatic
- Section 11-16 —Continuances when Counsel’s Presence or Oral Argument Required
- Section 11-17 —Transfers on Short Calendar
- Section 11-18 —Oral Argument of Motions in Civil Matters
- Section 11-19 —Time Limit for Deciding Short Calendar Matters
- Section 11-20 Closure of Courtroom in Civil Cases
- Section 11-20A Sealing Files or Limiting Disclosure of Documents in Civil Cases
- Section 11-20B —Documents Containing Personal Identifying Information
- Section 11-21 Motions for Attorney’s Fees
Chapter 12. Transfer of Actions
Chapter 13. Discovery and Depositions
- Section 13-1 Definitions
- Section 13-2 Scope of Discovery; In General
- Section 13-3 —Materials Prepared in Anticipation of Litigation; Statements of Parties; Privilege Log
- Section 13-4 —Experts
- Section 13-5 —Protective Order
- Section 13-6 Interrogatories; In General
- Section 13-7 —Answers to Interrogatories
- Section 13-8 —Objections to Interrogatories
- Section 13-9 Requests for Production, Inspection and Examination; In General
- Section 13-10 —Responses to Requests for Production; Objections
- Section 13-11 —Physical or Mental Examination
- Section 13-11A —Motion for Authorization To Obtain Protected Health Information
- Section 13-12 Disclosure of Amount and Provisions of Insurance Liability Policy
- Section 13-12A Disclosure of Medicare Enrollment, Eligibility and Payments Received
- Section 13-13 Disclosure of Assets in Cases in Which Prejudgment Remedy Sought
- Section 13-14 Order for Compliance; Failure To Answer or Comply with Order
- Section 13-15 Continuing Duty To Disclose
- Section 13-16 Orders by Judge
- Section 13-17 Disclosure before Court or Committee
- Section 13-18 Disclosures in Equity
- Section 13-19 Disclosure of Defense
- Section 13-20 Discovery Sought by Judgment Creditor
- Section 13-21 Discovery outside of the United States of America
- Section 13-22 Admission of Facts and Execution of Writings; Requests for Admission
- Section 13-23 —Answers and Objections to Requests for Admission
- Section 13-24 —Effect of Admission
- Section 13-25 —Expenses on Failure To Admit
- Section 13-26 Depositions; In General
- Section 13-27 —Notice of Deposition; General Requirements; Special Notice; Nonstenographic Recording; Production of Documents and Things; Deposition of Organization
- Section 13-28 —Persons before Whom Deposition May Be Taken for Use in Proceedings in this State
- Section 13-28A —Deposition Subpoenas
- Section 13-29 —Place of Deposition
- Section 13-30 —Deposition Procedure
- Section 13-31 —Use of Depositions in Court Proceedings
- Section 13-32 Agreements regarding Discovery and Deposition Procedure
- Section 13-33 Claim of Privilege or Protection after Production
Chapter 14. Dockets, Trial Lists, Pretrials and Assignment Lists
- Section 14-1 Claim for Statutory Exemption or Stay by Reason of Bankruptcy
- Section 14-2 Claim for Exemption from Docket Management Program by Reason of Bankruptcy
- Section 14-3 Dismissal for Lack of Diligence
- Section 14-4 Maintenance of Case Records
- Section 14-5 Definition of Administrative Appeals
- Section 14-6 Administrative Appeals Are Civil Actions
- Section 14-7 Administrative Appeals; Exceptions
- Section 14-7A —Administrative Appeals Brought Pursuant to General Statutes § 4-183 et seq.; Appearances; Records, Briefs and Scheduling
- Section 14-7B Administrative Appeals from Municipal Land Use, Historic and Resource Protection Agencies; Records, Briefs and Scheduling; Withdrawal or Settlement
- Section 14-8 Certifying That Pleadings Are Closed
- Section 14-9 Privileged Cases in Assignment for Trial
- Section 14-10 Claims for Jury
- Section 14-11 Pretrial; Assignment for Pretrial
- Section 14-12 —When Case Not Disposed of at Pretrial
- Section 14-13 —Pretrial Procedure
- Section 14-14 —Orders at Pretrial
- Section 14-15 Assignments for Trial in General
- Section 14-16 Methods of Assigning Cases for Trial
- Section 14-17 Immediate Trial
- Section 14-18 Cases Reached for Trial
- Section 14-19 Cases Marked Settled
- Section 14-20 Order of Trial
- Section 14-21 Clerk To Communicate with Counsel in Cases Assigned for Week Certain
- Section 14-22 Assignment for Trial on Motion of Garnishee
- Section 14-23 Motions To Continue or Postpone Case Assigned for Trial
- Section 14-24 Motion To Postpone; Absent Witness; Missing Evidence
- Section 14-25 Availability of Counsel for Trial
Chapter 15. Trials in General; Argument by Counsel
- Section 15-1 Order of Trial
- Section 15-2 Separate Trials
- Section 15-3 Motion in Limine
- Section 15-4 Medical Evidence
- Section 15-5 Order of Parties Proceeding at Trial
- Section 15-6 Opening Argument
- Section 15-7 Time Limit on Argument
- Section 15-8 Dismissal in Court Cases for Failure To Make Out a Prima Facie Case
Chapter 16. Jury Trials
- Section 16-1 Jurors Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Section 16-2 Challenge to Array
- Section 16-3 Preliminary Proceedings in Jury Selection
- Section 16-4 Disqualification of Jurors and Selection of Panel
- Section 16-5 Peremptory Challenges
- Section 16-6 Voir Dire Examination
- Section 16-7 Juror Questions and Note-taking
- Section 16-8 Oath and Admonitions to Trial Jurors
- Section 16-9 Questions of Law and Fact
- Section 16-10 Order by Judicial Authority for Jury Trial of Factual Issues in Equitable Actions
- Section 16-11 Cases Presenting Both Legal and Equitable Issues
- Section 16-12 View by Jury of Place or Thing Involved in Case
- Section 16-13 Judgment of the Court
- Section 16-14 Communications between Parties and Jurors
- Section 16-15 Materials To Be Submitted to Jury
- Section 16-16 Jury Deliberations
- Section 16-17 Jury Returned for Reconsideration
- Section 16-18 Interrogatories to the Jury
- Section 16-19 Reading of Statement of Amount in Demand or Statement of Claim; Arguing Amount Recoverable
- Section 16-20 Requests To Charge and Exceptions; Necessity for
- Section 16-21 —Requests To Charge on Specific Claims
- Section 16-22 —Filing Requests
- Section 16-23 —Form and Contents of Requests To Charge
- Section 16-24 —Charge Conference
- Section 16-25 Modification of Instructions for Correction or Clarification
- Section 16-26 Other Instructions after Additional Instructions
- Section 16-27 Jury Request for Review of Testimony
- Section 16-28 Jury Request for Additional Instructions
- Section 16-29 Deadlocked Jury
- Section 16-30 Verdict; Return of Verdict
- Section 16-31 —Acceptance of Verdict
- Section 16-32 —Poll of Jury after Verdict
- Section 16-33 —Discharge of Jury
- Section 16-34 —Impeachment of Verdict
- Section 16-35 Motions after Verdict: Motions in Arrest of Judgment, To Set Aside Verdict, for Additur or Remittitur, for New Trial, or for Collateral Source Reduction
- Section 16-36 Motions To Reduce Verdict [Transferred as of Jan. 1, 2012, to Section 17-2A.] Transferred
- Section 16-37 Reservation of Decision on Motion for Directed Verdict
- Section 16-38 Memorandum on Setting Verdict Aside
Chapter 17. Judgments
- Section 17-1 Judgments in General
- Section 17-2 Judgment on Verdict and Otherwise
- Section 17-2A Motions To Reduce Verdict
- Section 17-3 Remittitur where Judgment Too Large
- Section 17-4 Setting Aside or Opening Judgments
- Section 17-4A Motions for New Trial
- Section 17-5 Record of Proceeding; Facts Supporting Judgment To Appear on Record
- Section 17-6 Form of Finding
- Section 17-7 Special Finding; Request
- Section 17-8 —Functions of Special Finding
- Section 17-9 —Form and Contents of Special Finding
- Section 17-10 Modifying Judgment after Appeal
- Section 17-11 Offer of Compromise by Defendant; How Made
- Section 17-12 —Acceptance of Defendant’s Offer
- Section 17-13 —Defendant’s Offer Not Accepted
- Section 17-14 Offer of Compromise by Plaintiff; How Made
- Section 17-14A —Alleged Negligence of Health Care Provider
- Section 17-15 —Acceptance of Plaintiff’s Offer
- Section 17-16 —Plaintiff’s Offer Not Accepted
- Section 17-17 —Offer of Compromise and Acceptance Included in Record
- Section 17-18 —Judgment where Plaintiff Recovers an Amount Equal to or Greater than Offer
- Section 17-19 Procedure where Party Fails To Comply with Order of Judicial Authority or To Appear for Trial
- Section 17-20 Motion for Default and Nonsuit for Failure To Appear
- Section 17-21 Defaults under Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
- Section 17-22 Notice of Judgments of Nonsuit and Default for Failure To Enter an Appearance
- Section 17-23 Contract Actions To Pay a Definite Sum where There Is a Default for Failure To Appear; Limitations
- Section 17-24 —Promise To Pay Liquidated Sum
- Section 17-25 —Motion for Default and Judgment; Affidavit of Debt; Military Affidavit; Bill of Costs; Debt Instrument
- Section 17-26 —Order for Weekly Payments
- Section 17-27 —Entry of Judgment
- Section 17-28 —Enforcement of Judgment
- Section 17-29 —Default Motion Not on Short Calendar
- Section 17-30 Summary Process; Default and Judgment for Failure To Appear or Plead
- Section 17-31 Procedure where Party Is in Default
- Section 17-32 Where Defendant Is in Default for Failure To Plead
- Section 17-33 When Judgment May Be Rendered after a Default
- Section 17-33A Motions for Judgment of Foreclosure
- Section 17-34 Hearings in Damages; Notice of Defenses
- Section 17-35 —Requirements of Notice; Time
- Section 17-36 —Notice by Clerk
- Section 17-37 —Notice of Defense To Be Specific
- Section 17-38 —Amending Notice of Defense
- Section 17-39 —No Reply Allowed
- Section 17-40 —Evidence To Reduce Damages
- Section 17-41 Relief Permissible on Default
- Section 17-42 Opening Defaults where Judgment Has Not Been Rendered
- Section 17-43 Opening Judgment upon Default or Nonsuit
- Section 17-44 Summary Judgments; Scope of Remedy
- Section 17-45 —Proceedings upon Motion for Summary Judgment
- Section 17-46 —Form of Affidavits
- Section 17-47 —When Appropriate Documents Are Unavailable
- Section 17-48 —Affidavits Made in Bad Faith
- Section 17-49 —Judgment
- Section 17-50 —Triable Issue as to Damages Only
- Section 17-51 —Judgment for Part of Claim
- Section 17-52 Executions
- Section 17-53 Summary Process Executions
- Section 17-54 Declaratory Judgment; Scope
- Section 17-55 —Conditions for Declaratory Judgment
- Section 17-56 —Procedure for Declaratory Judgment
- Section 17-57 —Costs in Declaratory Judgment
- Section 17-58 —Declaratory Judgment Appealable
- Section 17-59 —Order of Priorities in Declaratory Judgment
Chapter 18. Fees and Costs
- Section 18-1 Vouchers for Court Expenses
- Section 18-2 Costs on Appeal from Commissioners
- Section 18-3 Costs on Creditor’s Appeal
- Section 18-4 Eminent Domain; Clerk’s Fees
- Section 18-5 Taxation of Costs; Appeal
- Section 18-6 Costs on Writ of Error
- Section 18-7 Costs on Interlocutory Proceedings
- Section 18-8 Jury Fee where More than One Trial
- Section 18-9 Nonresident Witnesses; Fees
- Section 18-10 Witness Fees in Several Suits
- Section 18-11 Witness Not Called; Fees
- Section 18-12 Costs where Several Issues
- Section 18-13 Several Defendants; Costs
- Section 18-14 Fees and Costs where Plaintiffs Join or Actions Are Consolidated
- Section 18-15 Costs where Both Legal and Equitable Issues
- Section 18-16 Costs on Complaint and Counterclaim
- Section 18-17 Costs on Counterclaim
- Section 18-18 Costs for Exhibits
- Section 18-19 Proceedings before Judge; No Costs
Chapter 19. References
- Section 19-1 Application of Chapter
- Section 19-2 Reference to Committee
- Section 19-2A Reference to Attorney Trial Referee
- Section 19-3 Reference to Judge Trial Referee
- Section 19-3A Reference to Special Assignment Probate Judge
- Section 19-4 Attorney Trial Referees and Special Assignment Probate Judges; Time To File Report
- Section 19-5 Appointment of Committee or Referee
- Section 19-6 Effect of Reference
- Section 19-7 Pleadings
- Section 19-8 Report
- Section 19-9 Request for Finding
- Section 19-10 Alternative Report
- Section 19-11 Amending Report
- Section 19-12 Motion To Correct [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2000.] Repealed
- Section 19-13 Exceptions to Report or Finding [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2000.] Repealed
- Section 19-14 Objections to Acceptance of Report
- Section 19-15 Time To File Objections
- Section 19-16 Judgment on the Report
- Section 19-17 Function of the Court
- Section 19-18 Extensions of Time
- Section 19-19 Reference to Accountant
Chapter 20. Hearings in Chambers
Chapter 21. Receivers
- Section 21-1 Appointment of Temporary Receiver in Chambers
- Section 21-2 Permanent Receiver
- Section 21-3 Appointments by Court
- Section 21-4 Receiver To Give Bond
- Section 21-5 Inventory
- Section 21-6 Insolvent Estates To Be Liquidated
- Section 21-7 Presentation and Allowance of Claims; Presentation
- Section 21-8 —Allowance; Hearing
- Section 21-9 —Extensions of Time
- Section 21-10 —Hearing before Action on Allowance
- Section 21-11 Continuance of Business
- Section 21-12 Reports where Business Continued
- Section 21-13 Semiannual Summary of Orders
- Section 21-14 Semiannual Accounts
- Section 21-15 Orders in Chambers
- Section 21-16 Duty of Clerks
- Section 21-17 Removal of Receivers
- Section 21-18 Ancillary Receivers
- Section 21-19 Receiver of Rents; Applicability of Previous Sections
- Section 21-20 —Appointment
- Section 21-21 —Bond
- Section 21-22 —Discharge
- Section 21-23 —Orders
- Section 21-24 —Reports
- Section 21-25 Applicability of Rules
Chapter 22. Unemployment Compensation
- Section 22-1 Appeal
- Section 22-2 Assignment for Hearing
- Section 22-3 Finding
- Section 22-4 Correction of Finding; Motion To Correct Finding
- Section 22-5 —Evidence To Be Filed by Appellee
- Section 22-6 —Motion To Correct by Appellee
- Section 22-7 —Duty of Board on Motion To Correct
- Section 22-8 —Claiming Error on Board’s Decision on Motion To Correct
- Section 22-9 Function of the Court
Chapter 23. Miscellaneous Remedies and Procedures
- Section 23-1 Arbitration; Confirming, Correcting or Vacating Award
- Section 23-2 Expedited Process Cases [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2015.] Repealed
- Section 23-3 —Placement on the Expedited Process Track [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2015.] Repealed
- Section 23-4 —Pleadings Allowed in Expedited Process Track Cases [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2015.] Repealed
- Section 23-5 —Motions Allowed [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2015.] Repealed
- Section 23-6 —Discovery Allowed [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2015.] Repealed
- Section 23-7 —Discovery Procedure for Expedited Process Cases [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2015.] Repealed
- Section 23-8 —Certification That Pleadings Are Closed [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2015.] Repealed
- Section 23-9 —Case Management Conference for Expedited Process Track Cases [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2015.] Repealed
- Section 23-10 —Transfer to Regular Docket [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2015.] Repealed
- Section 23-11 —Offers of Judgment [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2015.] Repealed
- Section 23-12 —Trial of Cases on Expedited Process Track [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2015.] Repealed
- Section 23-13 Granting of Complex Litigation Status and Assignment
- Section 23-14 —Powers of Judge Assigned in Complex Litigation Cases
- Section 23-15 —Request for Complex Litigation Status
- Section 23-16 Foreclosure of Mortgages
- Section 23-17 —Listing of Law Days
- Section 23-18 —Proof of Debt in Foreclosures
- Section 23-19 —Motion for Deficiency Judgment
- Section 23-20 Review of Civil Contempt
- Section 23-21 Habeas Corpus
- Section 23-22 —The Petition
- Section 23-23 —Return of Noncomplying Petition
- Section 23-24 —Preliminary Consideration of Judicial Authority
- Section 23-25 —Waiver of Filing Fees and Costs of Service
- Section 23-26 —Appointment of Counsel
- Section 23-27 —Venue for Habeas Corpus
- Section 23-28 —Transfer of Habeas Corpus
- Section 23-29 —Dismissal
- Section 23-30 —The Return
- Section 23-31 —Reply to the Return
- Section 23-32 —Amendments
- Section 23-33 —Request for a More Specific Statement
- Section 23-34 —Summary Procedures for Habeas Corpus Petitions
- Section 23-35 —Schedule for Filing Pleadings
- Section 23-36 —The Expanded Record
- Section 23-37 —Summary Judgment in Habeas Corpus
- Section 23-38 —Discovery in Habeas Corpus
- Section 23-39 —Depositions in Habeas Corpus
- Section 23-40 —Court Appearance in Habeas Corpus
- Section 23-41 —Motion for Leave To Withdraw Appearance of Appointed Counsel
- Section 23-42 —Judicial Action on Motion for Permission To Withdraw Appearance
- Section 23-43 Interpleader; Pleadings
- Section 23-44 —Procedure in Interpleader
- Section 23-45 Mandamus; Parties Plaintiff; Complaint
- Section 23-46 —Mandamus Complaint [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2017.] Repealed
- Section 23-47 —Mandamus Order in a Pending Action
- Section 23-48 —Temporary Order of Mandamus
- Section 23-49 —Pleadings in Mandamus
- Section 23-50 Writs of Error
- Section 23-51 Petition To Open Parking or Citation Assessment
- Section 23-52 Fact-Finding; Approval of Fact Finders
- Section 23-53 —Referral of Cases to Fact Finders
- Section 23-54 —Selection of Fact Finders; Disqualification
- Section 23-55 —Hearing in Fact-Finding
- Section 23-56 —Finding of Facts
- Section 23-57 —Objections to Acceptance of Finding of Facts
- Section 23-58 —Action by Judicial Authority
- Section 23-59 —Failure To Appear at Hearing
- Section 23-60 Arbitration; Approval of Arbitrators
- Section 23-61 —Referral of Cases to Arbitrators
- Section 23-62 —Selection of Arbitrators; Disqualification
- Section 23-63 —Hearing in Arbitration
- Section 23-64 —Decision of Arbitrator
- Section 23-65 —Failure To Appear at Hearing before Arbitrator
- Section 23-66 —Claim for Trial De Novo in Arbitration; Judgment
- Section 23-67 Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Section 23-68 Where Presence of Person May Be by Means of an Interactive Audiovisual Device
Chapter 24. Small Claims
- Section 24-1 In General
- Section 24-2 Allowable Actions
- Section 24-3 Institution of Actions; Electronic Filing
- Section 24-4 Where Claims Shall Be Filed
- Section 24-5 Venue
- Section 24-6 Definition of ‘‘Plaintiff’’ and ‘‘Representative’’
- Section 24-7 What Constitutes File
- Section 24-8 Institution of Small Claims Actions; Beginning of Action
- Section 24-9 —Preparation of Writ
- Section 24-10 —Service of Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit
- Section 24-11 —Further Service of Claim [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2011.] Repealed
- Section 24-12 —Answer Date
- Section 24-13 —Alternative Method of Commencing Action [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2011.] Repealed
- Section 24-14 —Notice of Time and Place of Hearing
- Section 24-15 —Scheduling of Hearings; Continuances
- Section 24-16 Answers; Requests for Time To Pay
- Section 24-17 —Prohibition of Certain Filings
- Section 24-18 —Plaintiff To Inquire as to Answer Filed [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2001.] Repealed
- Section 24-19 —Claim of Setoff or Counterclaim
- Section 24-20 —Amendment of Claim or Answer, Setoff or Counterclaim; Motion To Dismiss
- Section 24-20A —Request for Documents; Depositions
- Section 24-21 Transfer to Regular Docket
- Section 24-22 Hearings in Small Claims Actions; Subpoenas
- Section 24-23 —Procedure
- Section 24-24 Judgments in Small Claims; When Presence of the Plaintiff or Representative Is Not Required for Entry of Judgment
- Section 24-25 —Failure of the Defendant To Answer
- Section 24-26 —Failure of a Party To Appear before the Court when Required
- Section 24-27 —Dismissal for Failure To Obtain Judgment
- Section 24-28 —Finality of Judgments and Decisions
- Section 24-29 —Decision in Small Claims; Time Limit
- Section 24-30 —Satisfying Judgment
- Section 24-31 —Opening Judgment; Costs
- Section 24-32 Execution in Small Claims Actions
- Section 24-33 Costs in Small Claims
Chapter 25. Procedure in Family Matters — General Provisions
- Section 25-1 Definitions Applicable to Proceedings on Family Matters
- Section 25-2 Complaints for Dissolution of Marriage or Civil Union, Legal Separation, or Annulment
- Section 25-2A Premarital and Postnuptial Agreements
- Section 25-3 Action for Custody of Minor Child
- Section 25-4 Action for Visitation of Minor Child
- Section 25-5 Automatic Orders upon Service of Complaint or Application
- Section 25-5A Automatic Orders upon Service of Petition for Child Support
- Section 25-5B Automatic Orders upon Filing of Joint Petition—Nonadversarial Divorce
- Section 25-6 Parties and Appearances
- Section 25-6A Appearance by Self-Represented Party in Addition to Appearance of Attorney
- Section 25-7 Pleadings in General; Amendments to Complaint or Application
- Section 25-8 —Amendment; New Ground for Dissolution of Marriage or Civil Union
- Section 25-9 —Answer, Cross Complaint, Claims for Relief by Defendant
- Section 25-10 —Answer to Cross Complaint
- Section 25-11 —Order of Pleadings
- Section 25-12 Motion To Dismiss
- Section 25-13 —Grounds on Motion To Dismiss
- Section 25-14 —Waiver and Subject Matter Jurisdiction
- Section 25-15 —Further Pleading by Defendant
- Section 25-16 Motion To Strike; In General
- Section 25-17 —Date for Hearing
- Section 25-18 —Reasons
- Section 25-19 —Memorandum of Law
- Section 25-20 —When Memorandum of Decision Required
- Section 25-21 —Substitute Pleading; Judgment
- Section 25-22 —Stricken Pleading Part of Another Cause or Defense
- Section 25-23 Motions, Requests and Orders of Notice
- Section 25-24 Motions
- Section 25-25 Motion for Exclusive Possession
- Section 25-26 Modification of Custody, Alimony or Support
- Section 25-27 Motion for Contempt
- Section 25-28 Order of Notice
- Section 25-29 Notice of Orders for Support or Alimony
- Section 25-30 Statements To Be Filed
- Section 25-31 Discovery and Depositions
- Section 25-32 Mandatory Disclosure and Production
- Section 25-32A Discovery Noncompliance
- Section 25-32B Discovery—Special Master
- Section 25-33 Judicial Appointment of Expert Witnesses
- Section 25-34 Procedure for Short Calendar [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2025.] Repealed
- Section 25-34A Scheduling of Motions
- Section 25-35 Disclosure of Conference Recommendation
- Section 25-36 Motion for Decree Finally Dissolving Marriage or Civil Union after Decree of Legal Separation
- Section 25-37 —Notice and Hearing
- Section 25-38 Judgment Files
- Section 25-39 Miscellaneous Rules
- Section 25-40 Habeas Corpus in Family Matters; the Petition
- Section 25-41 —Preliminary Consideration
- Section 25-42 —Dismissal
- Section 25-43 —The Return
- Section 25-44 —Reply to the Return
- Section 25-45 —Schedule for Filing Pleadings
- Section 25-46 —Summary Judgment as to Writ of Habeas Corpus
- Section 25-47 —Discovery
- Section 25-48 Dockets, Pretrials and Assignment for Disposition
- Section 25-49 Definitions
- Section 25-50 Case Management [Repealed as of Jan. 1, 2025.] Repealed
- Section 25-50A Case Management under Pathways
- Section 25-51 When Motion for Default for Failure To Appear Does Not Apply
- Section 25-52 Failure To Appear for Scheduled Disposition
- Section 25-53 Reference of Family Matters
- Section 25-54 Order of Trial; Argument by Counsel
- Section 25-55 Medical Evidence
- Section 25-56 Production of Documents at Hearing or Trial
- Section 25-57 Affidavit concerning Children
- Section 25-58 Reports of Dissolution of Marriage or Civil Union and Annulment
- Section 25-59 Closure of Courtroom in Family Matters
- Section 25-59A Sealing Files or Limiting Disclosure of Documents in Family Matters
- Section 25-59B —Documents Containing Personal Identifying Information
- Section 25-60 Evaluations, Studies, Family Services Mediation Reports and Family Services Conflict Resolution Reports
- Section 25-60A Court-Ordered Private Evaluations
- Section 25-61 Family Division
- Section 25-61A Standing Committee on Guardians Ad Litem and Attorneys for the Minor Child in Family Matters
- Section 25-62 Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem
- Section 25-62A Appointment of Attorney for a Minor Child
- Section 25-63 Right to Counsel in Family Civil Contempt Proceedings
- Section 25-64 —Waiver
- Section 25-65 Family Support Magistrates; Procedure [Repealed as of Aug. 1, 2010.] Repealed
- Section 25-66 Appeal from Decision of Family Support Magistrate [Repealed as of Aug. 1, 2010.] Repealed
- Section 25-67 Support Enforcement Services [Repealed as of Aug. 1, 2010.] Repealed
- Section 25-68 Right to Counsel in State Initiated Parentage Actions
- Section 25-69 Social Services; Additional Duties
Connecticut organizes these rules across three divisions of a single consolidated Practice Book: Chapters 1-7 ("Superior Court--General Provisions," cross-cutting rules that also apply in family, criminal, and juvenile matters), Chapters 8-24 ("Superior Court--Procedure in Civil Matters"), and Chapter 25 ("Superior Court--Procedure in Family Matters"). Sections are numbered chapter-dash-section (e.g. Section 1-1, Section 8-1, Section 25-1), with lettered sub-sections layered in over time (1-9A, 1-9B, 2-4A, 8-3A, 24-20A, 25-5B, and others). Of 782 sections in Chapters 1-25, 41 carry no operative text and are shown below for completeness, labeled with the source's own bracketed status: 40 are Repealed and one (16-36) was Transferred to Section 17-2A.
Source: Connecticut Judicial Branch (Commission on Official Legal Publications) ·
Prescribed by the Judges of the Superior Court of Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 51-14) ·
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) ·
Official source